All night Dave spent his time in his office, staring at the flames burning in the kiln. He had too much to do and many things he could not reveal. Now the ultimate key is Devara, his all-knowing double. Dave was afraid of taking the wrong step, and marrying Natalie was the thing he least wanted.

Dave got up from his seat and walked out of the room; he walked to his room but stopped when he saw a vase filled with fresh red roses. I don't know where the urge came from; he approached the flower fitting and looked at the flower.

He stared at it long enough for...